87R6834 SRA-D By: Lozano H.B. No. 1747 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to a recommendation by the COVID-19 Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel to prioritize first responders in vaccine allocation and distribution. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 161, Health and Safety Code, is amended by adding Section 161.007065 to read as follows: Sec. 161.007065. COVID-19 EXPERT VACCINE ALLOCATION PANEL; PRIORITIZATION OF FIRST RESPONDERS. (a) The COVID-19 Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel convened to develop for the commissioner recommendations for the allocation of COVID-19 vaccines shall prioritize the allocation and distribution of vaccines for first responders, including: (1) peace officers, as defined by Article 2.12, Code of Criminal Procedure; (2) firefighters, including volunteer firefighters; and (3) emergency medical services personnel certified under Chapter 773. (b) This section expires January 1, 2023. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2021.